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Pineapple Fruit Powder

Pineapple Fruit

Pineapple is a biennial plant, meaning it bears fruit about every two years. Smaller fruits or berries fuse into one large pine cone-shaped fruit with the stem at its core. The skin or rind is rough, thick, waxy and yellow-orange with maybe a hint of red. The colour of its succulent, fibrous flesh ranges from white to yellow.

What are the Uses of Pineapple?

How is pineapple used? It is juiced, sliced, dehydrated/ dried, pickled and canned for commercial use. It’s also an ingredient in lots of food items, including wine, preserves, jams, candy, yogurt, cakes, pastries and pizza. The nutrients make it a beneficial food for those concerned with health and healthy eating. Supplements may be listed as pineapple powder, pineapple juice powder, pineapple powder fruit extract, organic pineapple powder, pineapple protein powder and pineapple enzyme powder, but they’re mostly the same. Organic pineapple powder is non-GMO and free of additives, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors and fillers. Pineapple enzyme/ protein powder can be solely bromelain.

What are the Nutrients in Pineapple Powder?

The pineapple fruit and stem are loaded with nutrients that are transported to supplements. The production process is designed to preserve them. Pineapple powder or pineapple extract powder is abundant in dietary fibre, vitamins B1, B6 and C, minerals manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium, antioxidant phytonutrients like beta carotene and beneficial enzymes including bromelain. There are some vitamin A, B2, B5 and B9 or folate (x). It is also low in calories and have zero fat.

Bromelain

What is bromelain? The aforementioned beneficial enzymes are collectively called bromelain. They’re proteolytic and found mainly in the pineapple stem. Proteolytic means they can break long polypeptide chains of amino acids/ proteins into shorter chains called peptides. As mentioned, bromelain could be isolated and sold as a separate extract. Research though limited, suggests that many of the potential health benefits in pineapple are due to these enzymes. By the way, you may be familiar with bromelain as a meat tenderizer.

What are the Health Benefits of Pineapple Powder?

What is pineapple powder good for? The pineapple fruit has been used in traditional medicine to trigger menstruation, induce early labor and to rid the body of worms and parasites. Considering the potential benefits of the powder extract today, research suggest that the nutrients and enzymes may treat, prevent or promote a number of conditions, including:

  • Digestion
  • Inflammatory issues
  • Diuretic effects
  • Immunity
  • Heart health
  • Cancer
  • Macular degeneration
  • Healthy skin
  • Muscle mass and function
  • Fertility

No medical evidence supports pineapple powder or any pineapple powder extract’s ability to treat or cure diseases. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements.

Digestion

We’ve learned that bromelain enzymes break down long chain protein molecules into smaller chains. Studies show that this makes digestion and absorption easier, and speeds up metabolism. It may also decrease gut inflammation, which could benefit individuals who suffer from ailments such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and inhibit harmful effects of bacteria like E. coli.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

Several studies on the consumption of pineapple juice reveal the possibility of additional anti-inflammatory effects. So, pineapple juice powder may also reduce inflammation and pain due to trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and surgery.

Diuretic Effects

Like the pineapple itself, pineapple powder or pineapple powder fruit extract may eliminate toxins from our body via urine. This could help individuals with kidney, bladder and prostate issues. The dietary fibre may promote regular bowel movements.

Immunity

Pineapple powder may help our immune system function better, according to research observations, because of its cartload of antioxidants vitamin C, beta carotene and the bromelain enzymes. We know that vitamin C and the flavonoid protect our cells from free radical damage and build or stimulate our immunity. Bromelain also seems able to quicken recovery from sinus infections and pulmonary issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

Heart Health

Though more research is needed on human subjects for a decisive conclusion, studies suggest that the bromelain in pineapple juice (and pineapple juice powder) may lower blood pressure levels and act as a natural blood thinner, preventing blood clots. This has the potential to benefit patients with cardiovascular diseases. The high potassium may also help because of possible hypertension-reducing qualities.

Cancer

A handful of research studies show bromelain to be an excellent fighter against a number of cancers, including gastrointestinal, colon, ovarian and skin. The antioxidant beta-carotene seems to help in this arena as well.

Macular Degeneration

Research results imply that the vitamin C in pineapple, pineapple juice, and therefore pineapple powder, may decrease the risk of cataracts by increasing the vitamin C in the fluid in our eyes. Also, our bodies use beta carotene to help make vitamin A, which is necessary for good vision.

Healthy Skin

How does pineapple powder extract increase skin health? Remember pineapple contains a rich supply of antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C. Both show ability to help wounds heal (by inducing collagen production), prevent skin damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and other environmental pollutants, and to help maintain the skin’s overall appearance. They also slow wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Muscle Mass and Function

The bromelain proteases may help increase muscle mass. Smaller chains of amino acids get into the bloodstream and reach the muscles faster. This helps athletes like body builders recover quicker from strenuous workouts. It may also help them build muscle mass. In addition, the amount of potassium in pineapple protein powder is enough to affect muscle function by helping the body maintain fluid balance. This is necessary for muscle contraction.

Fertility

Studies suggest that B-vitamins, vitamin C and potassium may stimulate reproductive hormones in both women and men.

 

Written by: Omojo Emeje

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Carrot Root Powder

A Carrot Legend

During World War II, the British publicized that consuming large quantities of carrots gave them clear night vision, so they were able to shoot down German aircrafts. The fable was concocted to hide the fact that it was really the use of radar that gave them success. Today we can “weaponise” carrots in the form of carrot powder for our good health and we don’t have to lie about it.

What is Carrot Powder?

Carrot powder is manufactured from grinding dried or dehydrated carrots. The technique ensures the preservation of the vital nutrients found in the root vegetable, while making it into a more readily available supplement for individuals such as athletes and those who want to boost their nutrition or diet. Organic carrot powder/ carrot juice powder is free of GMOs, preservatives, artificial colours, flavours, fillers, sweeteners, and other additives. The color of the powder depends on the variety of carrot used.

Where did it originate? Who developed it first? We would have to travel 5,000 plus years back to Afghanistan, the native land of the carrot. Early Afghans had a choice of wild varieties and cultivated them mostly for their seeds and flavour.

What are the Nutrients in Carrot Powder?

The antioxidant phytocompound beta carotene comes to mind when we think about the nutrients in carrot powder. But like carrots, it contains other great stuff. So, what other nutrients does the supplement contain? Carrot root powder is also loaded with other antioxidant flavonoids or carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene and phenolic acids, vitamins A, C and K, minerals potassium, calcium and iron, and dietary fiber. It also contains some B-vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals magnesium and phosphorus.

What are the Benefits of Carrot Powder?

What is carrot powder used for? Researchers suggest that the nutrients in carrot powder/ carrot root powder/ carrot juice powder may provide us with a number of important health benefits. The carotenoids, phenolic acids and vitamin C for instance, have vital antioxidant properties which prevent free radical cell damage, inflammation, and microbial infections. Other benefits from the flavonoids and the other nutrients include promoting good eye health, supporting heart and cardiovascular function, maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels, preventing cancer, and promoting skin health and overall wellness. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support the powder curing, treating or preventing disease.

Antioxidant Properties/ Immune Support

Several studies imply that vitamin C, carotenoids such as beta carotene and lutein, and phenolic acids such as the hydroxycinnamic acids, which are abundant in the powder or carrot juice powder, may support our immune system in three crucial ways:

1. Battling free radicals from damaging our immune cells by decreasing their ability to create oxidative stress. Damaged cells often lead to chronic diseases and abnormal growths such as cancer. Research suggest that the antioxidant compounds may be effective in lowering those risks by gobbling up the free radicals before they can do any harm.

2. Preventing inflammation. Evidence has established that carrots, and by proxy carrot powder, contain high concentrations of the anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds. These compounds may have the ability to treat issues such as inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), asthma and rheumatism.

3. Strengthening the immune system to help fight off infections from viruses, bacteria and other microbes. A strong immune system also enhances our overall health and well-being.

Good Vision

How does carrot root powder promote good eye health? Beta carotene (which is converted into vitamin A) along with lutein and zeaxanthin, are crucial for eyesight. Studies show that they are especially important in preventing or reducing issues such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and night blindness. These conditions become more prevalent as one ages. For instance, the macular or retina, which is at the center of our eyes, need healthy concentrations of both lutein and zeaxanthin to stimulate or enhance healthy vision. These compounds tend to decrease as we get older.

The antioxidant vitamin C is another vital compound for healthy vision. Studies show that it has the potential to protect our eyes from free radical damage as it does for the other cells in our bodies.

Heart and Cardiovascular Function

Studies indicate that the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis and stroke may be lowered by phytochemical flavonoids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. How do these bioactive compounds improve heart and cardio function?

As we have seen, carrot root powder has these compounds, especially the flavonoids and vitamin C, in high enough quantities that their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can benefit our heart and circulatory system. Studies also show that flavonoids and dietary fibre may help lower the bad LDL cholesterol in our bloodstream. Additionally, the mineral potassium may support healthy blood pressure levels.

Help with Diabetes

How can carrot powder help people with diabetes? Scientists determine that the dietary fiber in the powder may lower blood glucose levels, which diabetics must keep under control. The fiber also increases satiety because it is slow to digest. This prevents diabetics from gaining weight, a situation that can also cause adverse effects.

Skin Health

According to research, beta carotene, lutein and lycopene, which are found in carrot juice powder, may help to promote healthy glowing skin and skin color. These carotenoids are also crucial in wound healing. They help the skin heal faster, while staving off infections and inflammation. As a matter of fact, the early Afghans realised that the nutrients in carrots had the  potential to heal their cuts and infections. Carotenoids may also have the potential to reduce wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging.

 

Written by: Omojo Emeje

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Papain Complex

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the raw fruit of the papaya plant. Proteolytic enzymes help break proteins down into smaller protein fragments called peptides and amino acids. This is why papain is a popular ingredient in meat tenderizer.

You can get papain from eating raw papaya. Papain is also available in topical, chewable, and capsule forms. You can purchase papain-only supplements or supplements that pair papain with other enzymes, such as bromelain.

Papain is a popular folk remedy to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. It has also been used to improve digestion and to treat infections, diarrhea, and allergies. It’s also being studied for potential use in cancer and other diseases.

1. It may help ease sore throat

Papain may help relieve sore throat symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and redness. According to very dated research on 100 people with pharyngitis or tonsillitis, throat lozenges containing 2 milligrams (mg) of papain, 5 mg of lysozyme, and 200 international units (IU) of bacitracin helped relieve sore throat symptoms better than a placebo.

It’s not known if the beneficial effects are due to papain itself, the other ingredients, or the specific combination of ingredients. Recent scientific research is lacking, however.

2. It may reduce pain and inflammation

According to an article in Nutrition Review, research has shown proteolytic enzymes help reduce inflammation as well as or better than some anti-inflammatory drugs. However, clinical research in people is limited.

Because of these potential beneficial effects papain and other proteolytic enzymes are sometimes use to help with wound healing and to decrease swelling after an injury or trauma.

3. It aids digestion

Papain may also ease digestive symptoms like constipation and bloating. According to one 2013 study a whole papaya preparation called Caricol significantly improved constipation and bloating in people with chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction.

4. It helps heal wounds

Research also suggests that papain may be used as a natural remedy for skin ulcers, wounds, and other skin conditions.

For example, a 2010 animal study found a papain-based wound cleanser helped promote wound healing in rats. A 2012 systematic review of studies also concluded papain is effective and safe in treating many types of wounds in various stages of healing. Most of the research is still preliminary.

Despite these positive findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source ordered companies to stop marketing unapproved topical papain products due to some people experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction upon use. You should talk with your doctor about your individual risk of allergic reaction before use.

5. It eases muscle soreness

Protease supplements may relieve muscle pain caused by intense exercise, according to a 2004 study. In this study, 10 matched pairs of male participants were given either a placebo or a protease supplement containing papain and other protease enzymes.

The treatment was given prior to and after downhill running for 30 minutes at 80 percent of their maximum heart rate. The enzyme group experienced better muscle recovery and less muscular pain than the placebo group.

How to use: Take a daily protease enzyme supplement that includes papain.

6. It may help relieve shingles symptoms

Proteolytic enzymes such as papain may help shingles symptoms such as pain, skin lesions, and neuralgia.

According to a 1995 controlled study of 192 people with shingles, a proteolytic enzyme preparation was as effective in treating shingles symptoms as the antiviral medication acyclovir. More current studies are lacking, however, and more evidence is needed to confirm these findings.

 

Written by: Omojo Emeje

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What you should know about Bad Cholesterol & why it’s not good for you!

Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called “lipoproteins.” Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body:

LDL (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

When your body has too much LDL cholesterol, the LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called “plaque.” As your blood vessels build up plaque over time, the insides of the vessels narrow. This narrowing blocks blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack

Eating too much saturated fat in your diet can raise BAD CHOLESTEROL, LDL (LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN) in your blood, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is often called the “BAD” cholesterol because it collects in the walls of your blood vessels.

Things that can affect LDL level includes:
– Diet: Consumption of Saturated Fat
– Weight :Being overweight tends to raise your LDL level.
– Physical Inactivity: A lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain which can affect the level of LDL.
– Smoking: Cigarette smoking can contribute to increase in LDL level.
– Genetics :Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes. High cholesterol can run in your family.
– Medicines: Certain medicines, including steroids, some blood pressure medications and anti-retroviral medications can raise your LDL level too.

NATURAL WAYS TO LOWER LDL CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

– FOCUS ON MONOUNSATURATED FATS : such as olives and Olive oil, canola oil, tree nuts such as almonds, cashews etc, avocados.
– USE POLYUNSATURATED FATS, ESPECIALLY OMEGA-3s :Polyunsaturated fats have multiple double bonds that makes them behave differently in the body than saturated fats.
– TRY SUPPLEMENTS : fish oil, psyllium, coenzyme Q10 etc.
– EXERCISE : It is a win-win for heart health. Not only does it improve physical fitness and help combat obesity, but it also reduces harmful LDL.
– Also try eating more of fruits, vegetables and chicken ( than red meats such as beef). Remember to skin the chicken before cooking.

Written by: Chiamaka Nwoko
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Sugar

Did you know??

Consumption of too much sugar contributes to:
✓ Acne
✓ Weight gain
✓ Tiredness
✓ Increased blood pressure
✓ High risk of type 2 diabetes
✓ Increased chronic inflammation.

A lot of people rely so much on quick processed food for meal and snacks which contributes a large proportion of our daily calorie intake.

Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and calcium.

Since your body digests these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

Take care of your health because your health is your wealth!

 

Written by: Chiamaka Nwoko

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Eye Health

Your eye is an important part of your health. Most people rely on their eyes to see and make sense of the world around them. But some eye diseases can lead to vision loss, so it is important to identify and treat eye diseases as early as possible. And just as it is important to keep your body healthy, you also need to keep your eyes healthy.

We’re constantly being bombarded with magazine articles advising us on how to take care of our health, our skin, our hair and even our feet, but very little attention is paid to our eyes. And that’s a shame, given how much we depend on our vision in our everyday lives.

Just think about how much your eyes work from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes at bedtime. That’s why taking care of our eyes is so important.

Although taking care of your eyes might seem pointless if you don’t have any vision problems, adopting a few easy habits will not only preserve your vision, but will also decrease your odds of developing eye problems in the future.

Eye Care Tips

There are things you can do to help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty or fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables, eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

3. Get regular exercise. Exercise may help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These diseases can lead to some eye or vision problems. So if you exercise regularly, you can lower your risk of getting these eye and vision problems.

4. Wear sunglasses. Sun exposure can damage your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

5. Wear protective eye wear. To prevent eye injuries, you need eye protection when playing certain sports, working in jobs such as factory work and construction, and doing repairs or projects in your home.

6. Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve.

7. Know your family medical history. Some eye diseases are inherited, so it is important to find out whether anyone in your family has had them. This can help you determine if you are at higher risk of developing an eye disease.

8. Know your other risk factors. As you get older, you are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. It is important to know your risk factors because you may be able to lower your risk by changing some behaviours.

9. If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections. Wash your hands well before you put in or take out your contact lenses. Also follow the instructions on how to properly clean them, and replace them when needed.

10. Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you can forget to blink your eyes and your eyes can get tired.

Take care of your eyes and let them take care of you!!

 

Written by: Chiamaka Nwoko

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What everyone ought to know about Selenium!

What is Selenium ?

Selenium is a trace mineral in form of selenoproteins in the body that is essential to human health and carries out various functions in normal health and metabolism. In particular, glutathione peroxidase, a selenoprotein performs antioxidant activities that protects against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Furthermore, Iodothyronine deiodinases that converts inactive thyroxine to active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine, are selenium-dependent.

WHY DO YOU NEED SELENIUM?
Selenium plays an important role in the immune system functioning , this antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. In addition, selenium supplements or selenium derived from food may help strengthen immune system in people with influenza, tuberculosis, hepatitis C and HIV thereby decreasing disease progression in the body.

Selenium is used for selenium deficiency, a disease that causes underactive thyroid (autoimmune thyroiditis) and high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is also used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels including stroke, abnormal cholesterol levels as well as many other conditions.
The mineral selenium is essential for healthy thyroid functions, among other things. Your thyroid regulates your weight by regulating your metabolism, so an active thyroid increases metabolism leading to weight loss. Studies also suggest that taking a selenium rich food may help prevent mental decline and improve memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

HOW CAN YOU GET ENOUGH SELENIUM FOR YOUR BODY?

Selenium can be taken as a supplement, as there are many selenium supplements used to increase its level in the body. Selenium can be gotten from foods such as pork, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish and eggs. All these foods has high selenium in it.

Conclusively, selenium is important for making body processes work correctly from immunity to metabolism and to increased actions of antioxidants in the body.

Now you know why you need selenium! Shop now for yours!! http://backup.troopharm.com/product/nature-s-field-selenium-200mg/

 

Written by: Immaculate Amalu

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Beans as an anti-cancer agent

Beans also known as legumes, are rich in three types of phytochemicals which are known to fight against Cancer.
There are several foods that are known to help prevent risk of cancer and one such incredible ingredient is BEANS.

Beans are available in different varieties – pinto beans, black eyed peas, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, black beans and soya beans to name but a few.

Beans are natural source of antioxidants and phytochemicals and research show that regular beans consumption helps reduce the risk of certain cancer.

Darker beans are recommended because they are rich in phytonutrients and selenium that prevents inflammation and thus the growth of cancer cells.

 

Written by: Chiamaka Nwoko

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Zinc

Did you know that a healthy amount of zinc in your diet has been linked to an improved immune system and faster wound healing? The benefits of getting enough zinc doesn’t stop there.

Research has also found that zinc may help in these situations:
✓ Shorten the common cold ?.
✓ Support wound healing.
✓ Improve eye health.
✓ Treat hypothyroidism.

How Much Zinc Should You Take to See Benefits?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral, which means our bodies need only a small amount of it to maintain good health. The recommended dietary allowance at 8 milligrams (mg) for adult women and 11 mg for adult men. While only a small amount may be needed, don’t underestimate the power of this mighty mineral.

Good sources of zinc
✓ Try decadent dark chocolate for a zinc filled dessert.
✓ Whole grain delivers zinc.
✓ Meat and poultry serve up zinc.
✓ Crabs and lobster make it easy to meet your zinc needs.
✓ Vegetables such as mushrooms and kale.

It’s a must try! Thank us later!

 

Written by: Chiamaka Nwoko

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Health Tips You Didn’t Know!!

✓ Coconut and groundnut are sexual drive enhancers.

✓ Carrot and cucumbers are sperm boosters!

✓ Swimming enhances your memory.

✓ Dancing reduces stress.

✓ Exercise is a life extending therapy.

✓ Masturbation can cause eye defect, weakness of penis and reduces your libido.

✓Beans is an anti-cancer, you can remove the skin if it gives you trouble after eating.

✓Eating smoked fish is suicidal because it is double monoxide and could elicit cancerous cells.

✓Soft drinks and juices shouldn’t be abused. You can prepare your own juice with fruits. Dont accumulate synthetic sugar in your body.

✓ Make watermelon your companion as it cleanses your liver and kidney, and also enhances their functions.

✓ Eat apples, carrot, onion and other vegetables everyday.

✓ Cease your breathe for at least one minute when people cough or sneeze, especially in an enclosure or in a public transit.

✓ Washing of hands regularly is a major way of preventing some infections.

✓ Garlic is an antibiotic and antiviral plant.

✓Garlic clears the throat!

 

Written by: Chiamaka Nwoko

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